- CHD is the leading cause of death worldwide. Build-up of fatty substances in the arteries means the heart does not get enough blood.
- More common in HICs however this is decreasing due to improvements in diagnosing, treating and preventing. It is now increasing in LICs as wealth increases, but treatment/prevention is not as accessible.
Physical
- Air pollution exposes us to pollutants and particulates which are a factor. This factor is not as important in rural areas.
- CHD mortality rates are higher in places with low average temperature and hours of sunlight. Cold/damp climates cause problems for cardio-respiratory system.
- Steeper relief can both improve physical fitness and cause harm to those with underlying cardiovascular issues.
Socio-Economic
- Mortality rate for CHD is 60% higher in smokers.
- 2% of men with CHD in HICs is due to excessive alcohol consumption.
- Poor diets – high in saturated fat, sodium and sugar increase likelihood of CHD.
- Physical inactivity – increases risk of developing CHD.
- Type 2 Diabetes – men with this are 2 to 4 times as likely to get CHD.
Impacts
- Causes chest pains, shortness of breath, sweating. Can lead to fatal heart attacks.
- Can affect mental health such as anxiety, depression and strain on relationships.
- Often medication prescriptions are lifelong, and some have electronic devices fitted to regulate heart rate and blood flow.
- Costs NHS approx. £8.7 million a year.
- Loss of productivity and financial cost when take time off work.
Management/Mitigation
- Lifestyle changes – educating/encouraging people to eat healthy diets, exercise and stop smoking.
- Drugs or surgery – e.g. heart bypass or to lower blood pressure CBA – there is a risk of blood clots in surgery and serious side effects of drugs.
- National strategies – campaigns to reduce tobacco consumption e.g. smoking bans, package warnings. Healthy school meals initiatives for primary school children. Taxation on foods high in fat, sugar and salt to discourage people from buying in favour of healthier foods CBA – people may adjust to higher price of unhealthy foods.